Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
All content for Health Trip Podcast | Jill Foos Wellness is the property of Jill Foos and is served directly from their servers
with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
One of the most common — and frustrating — symptoms of midlife is insomnia during menopause. If you’ve found yourself staring at the ceiling at 3 a.m. or struggling to fall asleep even when you’re exhausted, you’re not alone. Sleep disruptions affect up to 60% of women in perimenopause and postmenopause, largely due to shifting hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol. Poor sleep can lead to hypertension, T2D, heart disease, Alzheimer’s Disease and dementia, obesity, cancer, as well as poor work performance, poor exercise performance and recovery, and bone and hair health may be impacted. There are lots of reasons why working on your sleep should be a priority. Beyond midlife hot flashes and night sweats, stress, mood changes, trauma, pain, and even subconscious sleep habits all play a role. The good news? There’s a clinically proven approach that doesn’t involve medication: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia, or CBT-i.
In this episode, we’ll explore how CBT-i works, why it’s especially effective for midlife women, and how it goes far beyond sleep hygiene tips. My guest, Annie Miller, is a licensed psychotherapist and CBT-I specialist, and founder of DC Metro Therapy. She breaks down the science of why sleep becomes fragile in midlife and how small behavioral shifts can help retrain your brain and body to sleep soundly again. Besides sleep disorders, Annie also works with chronic pain and trauma. Whether you’re experiencing sleep onset issues, early morning waking, or just feel like you’re never fully rested, this conversation will give you the tools to reclaim your nights and restore your energy.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make any lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Consult your physician for any medical issues that you may be having. This entire disclaimer also applies to any of my guests on my podcast.
Learn more about Annie:
Website: https://dcmetrotherapy.com/anniemiller/
IG: @dc.metro.therapy
FB: @dcmetrosleepandpsychotherapy
Stay connected with JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Increase Your Protein in 5 Easy Steps and your free Protein Powder Recipe Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations
Health Trip Podcast | Jill Foos Wellness
Many women notice real shifts in desire, arousal, and physical comfort during the menopause transition. Yet most of us were never taught how to talk about these changes, or how to support our sexual health as part of overall midlife wellness. Sexual pleasure is a key marker of health. It’s linked to hormones, cardiovascular function, sleep quality, mental health, and even long-term longevity.
Because of stigma and a lack of open conversation, too many women quietly accept pain, low desire, or the belief that sexuality fades after midlife. It doesn’t. Menopause changes sex, but it doesn’t end it.
In this episode, we break down what really happens to the body during midlife, how pleasure evolves, and practical ways to rebuild a healthy, satisfying sex life on your own terms. As I often say, every woman has her own unique health equation, and that includes sexual pleasure. There is no single path that works for everyone.
My guest today is Dr. Rachel Zar, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist. She holds a Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from The Family Institute at Northwestern University, a PhD in Clinical Sexology from Modern Sex Therapy Institutes, and advanced certificates in sex therapy and sexuality education from the University of Michigan. Dr. Zar is the Clinical Director at Avid Intimacy, a sex and relationship therapy practice specializing in evidence-based support for individuals and couples.
Medical Disclaimer:
By listening to this podcast, you agree not to use this podcast as medical advice or to make lifestyle changes to treat any medical condition in yourself or others. Always consult your own physician for any medical concerns. This disclaimer also applies to any guests featured on the podcast.
Find Dr. Zar:
Website: https://www.rachelzartherapy.com/
IG: @rachelzartherapy
FB: @rachelzartherapy
Stay connected to JFW:
Watch on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jillfooswellness/videos
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jillfooswellness/
Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillfooswellness
Grab discounts on my favorite biohacking products: https://www.jillfooswellness.com/health-products
Enjoy 20% savings and free shipping at Fullscript for your favorite supplements by leading brands:
https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/jillfooswellness
Subscribe to the JFW newsletter at www.jillfooswellness.com and receive your FREE Guide on How To Create Your Menopause Health Equation Ebook.
Schedule your complimentary 30-minute Zoom consultation here:
https://calendly.com/jillfooswellness/30-minute-zoom-consultations